Common Causes Of Glomerulonephritis

October 7, 2023

Glomerulonephritis is a condition that causes clusters of blood vessels within the kidneys (the glomeruli) to become inflamed. Patients with the chronic form of this condition may develop high blood pressure, and they might notice abdominal pain, swelling of the ankles and face, recurrent nosebleeds, and increased nighttime urination. Acute glomerulonephritis, which is usually caused by an infection, can trigger coughing due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the lungs, and patients typically observe a reduction in their normal urinary output.

Both types of glomerulonephritis can lead to kidney failure. To diagnose glomerulonephritis, patients will need to undergo blood and urine tests, and ultrasounds or other imaging studies are used to confirm the diagnosis. Patients who have an underlying immune condition responsible for their glomerulonephritis may be treated with plasmapheresis, and patients with chronic glomerulonephritis will need to make dietary changes. If the condition reaches an advanced stage, it may be necessary to have dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Viral Infections

Viral infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are recognized as triggers for the development of glomerulonephritis. Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that can cause cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and it also increases an individual's risk of cancer. Patients with hepatitis B could experience jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, fever, and joint pain, and the condition can be acute or chronic. A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. Patients can contract a similar type of viral liver infection, hepatitis C, through exposure to contaminated blood.

Since the early stages of hepatitis C are often asymptomatic, doctors recommend for individuals at high risk for this condition to be screened with a blood test. When symptoms do occur, they can include weight loss, jaundice, spider angiomas, and fluid buildup in the abdomen. Hepatitis C is now curable with a six-month course of oral medication. HIV can be transmitted through sexual activity and through sharing needles or injection equipment with an infected individual. This condition damages the immune system, and patients are especially susceptible to infection. Although HIV cannot be cured, it can be controlled with oral medication.

Bacterial Endocarditis

Bacterial endocarditis occurs when the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium) becomes infected by bacteria. Patients with endocarditis may have fatigue, fever, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Catheter use, dental procedures, tattoo or piercing needles, and intravenous use of illegal drugs could all increase a patient's risk of endocarditis.

To diagnose this condition, doctors will perform tests such as an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram, a chest x-ray, and a CT scan. Blood tests will be ordered to identify the specific type of bacteria responsible for the infection. If bacterial endocarditis is present, patients typically need to spend at least a week in the hospital to receive high doses of intravenous antibiotics, and these treatments may then be continued on an outpatient basis. If bacterial endocarditis damages the heart valves, surgical intervention to repair or replace the damaged valves could be required.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a major cause of acute glomerulonephritis. Patients with strep throat typically have a fever, and pain while swallowing is common. The lymph nodes in the front of the neck may become swollen, and patients could also notice small red dots (petechiae) on the roof of the mouth. Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, and this can be spread by inhaling infected air droplets or by touching a contaminated surface. To test for strep throat, doctors will need to swab the patient's throat.

The swab can be tested with a rapid strep test, which gives results in about twenty minutes. The doctor may also choose to perform a throat culture test on the swab. Antibiotics are the standard treatment for strep throat, and most patients are given either amoxicillin or penicillin. A typical course of antibiotics is around seven to ten days, and patients typically notice an improvement in their symptoms after two days. Patients should let their doctor know if they do not get any symptom relief after this period.

Polyarteritis

Polyarteritis, also known as polyarteritis nodosa, is an autoimmune condition that causes swelling of the blood vessels. Men are more likely to develop this condition than women, and most patients are diagnosed in their forties or fifties. Polyarteritis can cause swelling of blood vessels throughout the body, including those that lead to the heart, kidneys, and intestines. Patients with the condition could notice sweating, weight loss, fever, and loss of appetite.

If the blood vessels that lead to the kidneys are affected, protein may appear in the urine, and patients could develop elevated blood pressure. Doctors use blood tests, urine tests, CT scans, MRI scans, and x-rays in the diagnosis of this condition, and patients may also be asked to have an angiogram or a biopsy as well. Corticosteroids such as prednisone are the first line of treatment, and patients with severe symptoms may also need to take methotrexate or cyclophosphamide. With early treatment, some polyarteritis patients can enter remission.

IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger's disease, is a kidney disease that damages the glomeruli and could trigger glomerulonephritis. In this condition, the IgA protein gets lodged in the kidneys, and this triggers inflammation that could result in kidney failure. The most common symptoms of IgA nephropathy are blood or protein in the urine. To diagnose this condition, doctors perform blood tests, including a test that measures the patient's glomerular filtration rate. Patients also undergo urine tests, and a kidney biopsy may be recommended. Treatment of IgA nephropathy usually includes corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants, and doctors also typically prescribe medication to reduce blood pressure. Patients are encouraged to make dietary changes, including reductions in protein and salt.

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